LAWMA launches Lagos organic waste initiative to cut methane, recycle food waste, and boost climate action with tech and Black Soldier Fly innovation

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has unveiled a cutting-edge organic waste initiative to address the city’s rising environmental risks from food waste and support climate action goals.

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Speaking at a stakeholder forum in Lagos, LAWMA Managing Director Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin revealed that nearly 6,500 tonnes of organic waste—half of the 13,000 tonnes generated daily—pose a growing threat to the environment if not properly managed.

The new initiative, launched in partnership with Proganics Limited, aims to reduce methane emissions, boost recycling, and create circular economic opportunities in Africa’s most populous city.

“Sorting organic waste at source is critical to achieving the clean Lagos of our dreams,” Gbadegesin said. “When sent to landfills, this waste generates methane, a greenhouse gas more harmful than carbon monoxide.”

As part of the plan, Proganics has developed a 200-tonne daily-capacity waste facility that uses Black Soldier Fly technology to transform food waste into animal feed and bio-fertilisers.

The solution has already gained traction in countries like Kenya and Rwanda.

Gbadegesin explained:

“This advanced technology accelerates decomposition while creating valuable products.

We’re now introducing it to Nigeria as part of Lagos’s shift from landfilling to sustainable resource recovery.”

LAWMA is also deploying smart bins, fitted with RFID tags and IoT sensors, to collect sorted organic waste from key contributors such as restaurants, hotels, event centres, and food manufacturers.

“This will improve operational efficiency, reduce pests and odours, and potentially lower business waste bills,” Gbadegesin said.

He added that organisations complying with the sorting policy may benefit from financial rebates, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public-private partnerships in environmental management.

The LAWMA MD also linked the project to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s COP28 climate pledge, noting that organic waste sorting and methane reduction are now central to Lagos’s climate strategy.

Augustine Ogee, Head of Corporate Strategy at Proganics, emphasised the economic impact of the partnership:

“This is more than waste collection. It’s about creating value chains that support jobs, food security, and environmental protection. It’s a scalable model for cities across Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, Dr Michael Bankole, Head of the Climate Change Department at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, praised the initiative as part of a broader move towards a circular economy:

“Organic waste is a resource, not a liability. A clean city boosts public health, attracts investment, and improves quality of life.”

In her goodwill message, Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, National Chairperson of the Property and Environmental Writers Association of Nigeria, commended LAWMA for driving innovation:

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“We stand ready to support LAWMA in raising public awareness and advocating for cleaner, healthier urban environments.”